A mother of two, Simone Anderson, experienced a frightening incident when her dishwasher caught fire in the middle of the night while her family was asleep. Anderson stated that her husband usually starts the dishwasher before going to bed, and on the night of the incident, she ran the dishwasher before heading to bed around midnight. However, she later woke up to the sound of smoke detectors blaring at 1:20 a.m. Her husband went downstairs to find the dishwasher completely engulfed in flames, and they quickly evacuated the house as the fire grew rapidly. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the kitchen, but the entire house was covered in soot.
Experts caution against running dishwashers, dryers, or washing machines at night or while no one is home. The advice comes from safety concerns, as a fire started by these appliances can go unnoticed for an extended period, potentially leading to a fatal situation. Running appliances at night or while away from home increases the risk of malfunctions or fires going undetected. Angi Orbann from Travelers Insurance warned against running dishwashers unattended and advised against using extension cords or power strips for appliances, as they can overheat and cause fires. Half of all home electrical fires involve home wiring or lighting equipment, and approximately 47,000 homes experience an electrical fire each year.
A fire investigator determined that the cause of the fire in Anderson’s kitchen was frayed wiring deep within her 10-year-old dishwasher. Anderson now urges families to regularly check smoke detectors and avoid running appliances at night. The Andersons have had to relocate to an Airbnb while their home undergoes a six-month renovation process. To help with the expenses, they have set up a GoFundMe page and are seeking donations. The incident serves as a warning to homeowners to be cautious when running appliances, especially at night when the risk of fire going unnoticed is higher.
While some dishwashing companies and product manufacturers suggest running dishwashers at night for lower energy rates during low peak hours, experts advise against it. Officials from the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service in the U.K. emphasize the dangers of appliances starting fires at night when residents are asleep, warning that without working smoke alarms, the consequences could be fatal. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that home electrical fires are relatively common, with approximately 47,000 homes experiencing such incidents each year. These statistics highlight the importance of being vigilant about home appliance safety and proper usage to prevent potentially disastrous outcomes.
Simone Anderson’s experience with a dishwasher fire serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners regarding the risks of appliance malfunctions and fires. Running dishwashers, dryers, or washing machines unattended, especially at night or while away from home, significantly increases the chances of fire going undetected for a prolonged period. Safety experts advise against such practices, emphasizing the need for direct wall outlet connection for appliances and regular maintenance checks. Anderson’s family’s ordeal has led them to stress the importance of smoke detector maintenance and vigilance with appliance use to avoid similar incidents. Their situation is a reminder to prioritize safety in the home and take necessary precautions to prevent potential disasters.
